

The key for this lies in the scaling of game years, which pass more quickly in the early game (at a rate of 50-100 years per turn, with decreasing intervals as you pass from BC to AD), as opposed to the later game. The unique ability of the Maya, The Long Count, can be surprisingly useful if used correctly. From there, coupled with the advantages of their unique ability, players can choose whichever path to victory they desire. While the Maya don't strongly lean towards any victory path, they do have an increased incentive to go down the religious path.

The Mayan civilization is one of the most underestimated civilizations in all of Civilization V.
